Tyler, Longview post offices will be open late for income tax filers

By BRENDA ALLUMSnews@kilgorenewsherald.com

Longview and Tyler post offices will remain open until 8 p.m. Friday to accommodate those who wait until the last minute to file their tax returns.

However, the Kilgore Post Office will close at its regular time -- 4:30 Friday.

In Tyler, the main post office is located at 2100 W. MLK Blvd. The main post office in Longview is located at 2336 S. Mobberly Ave.

Curbside collection is available at Tyler Azalea Post Office, 2627 S. Broadway Ave., until 10 p.m. Friday.

In order to assist late filers the U.S. Postal Service has several pointers:

•Use First-Class postage.

• Use pre-addressed labels where possible.

• Write clearly. Take special care to ensure that handwritten envelopes are legible and include a return address.

• Affix sufficient postage. One ounce is 37 cents; each additional ounce up to 13 ounces costs an additional 23 cents.

• Double-check postage. Weigh any return that feels heavier than one ounce. Tax agencies do not accept postage due mail; tax returns tearing insufficient postage will be returned - meaning taxpayers may be penalized for filing late tax returns.

• Avoid the mad rush at the post office.

• Mail returns in local collection boxes, but remember to make certain that the posted pick-up time has not passed to ensure returns will have an April 15 postmark.

• For customers who send original receipts to tax agencies, registered mail is a good choice.

• Make certain bulky envelopes are securely sealed.